Love, care and plenty of training set wayward dog on new path

When Donald and Naomi Rakestraw adopted Willow from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter in 2010, they didn't realize how much they would change her life or how much she would change theirs.

Today, Willow is an award-winning therapy dog, but three years ago, she was a poorly trained animal that was scared and confused. At times her new owners started to lose hope that she could ever receive training or ever become a part of their family. With patience, however, their new friend is a completely different dog, with proud owners.

Willow was named after the town of Willowbrook, where the shepherd mix lived for two months as a stray, finding shelter in culverts and coming out only to eat and drink the food and water left out for her. While local residents were aware of Willow, none could get close enough to take her in.

Willowbrook resident Lonnie Geurian finally decided to try to rescue her. Instead of bringing food, he left a dog toy near the culverts. When he returned, he found the toy destroyed, and waited for her to emerge.

Moments later, Willow approached Geurian. Eventually, he gained her trust, was able to put her on a leash and get her to the shelter. The Geurians paid the spay and adoption fees, determined to get Willow adopted as soon as possible.

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While waiting for their car to be serviced at a local shop, the Rakestraws came across a booklet with a list of animals available for adoption at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

Willow instantly caught their eyes, so they decided to visit.

"She had a sad look, as if to say 'Come adopt me," Donald Rakestraw said.

Although timid, Willow seemed nice and got along with their other dog, Maggie. The couple filled out the paperwork and Willow became a part of their family.

By the time they got her home, however, they realized Willow wasn't the dog they thought she was - instead finding a high-strung animal that wasn't socialized or housebroken.

"On the way home, Willow was very nervous and excited. One would expect some behavior like that, but not to this extent," Donald Rakestraw said. "She was just kind of wild and didn't have any manners."

The Rakestraws struggled to train Willow on their own, and later decided to take her to a training school. It took several attempts to get Willow into the building, but she eventually became more comfortable with the trainers.

However, it took more than a few weeks of school before Willow became a new dog. She was still chewing things at home, bit when she played, and didn't listen. The couple even considered taking her back to the shelter, but backed out for fear she would be euthanized.

One day, while frustrated with Willow, Donald Rakestraw considered her situation: She had been wild and was taken from her mother at a young age, abandoned and never taught anything as a pup.

"No one had taught her anything," he said. "She just didn't know what to do or how to behave."

The Rakestraws continued to send Willow to school. After several more months, Willow was able to socialize well with other dogs and trainers. She learned quickly, and picked up on tricks by watching the other dogs perform.

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It's been three years, and Willow still attends training. Today, however, instead of struggling she often comes home with ribbons and awards. She has earned her Therapy Dog title and has made more than 75 visits to various rest homes and rehabilitation hospitals, Newton Medical Center, the YMCA in Wichita, as well as the Kansas Heart Hospital.

Rakestraw said patients love Willow's visits because it takes their minds off of their problems. They can relate to Willow, especially if they once had a dog of their own.

After a year of initial training, Willow continued with a variety of advanced training - and she's still learning new tricks.

Yet, Willow still enjoys competing and winning attention from people. She gets tucked in every night, has her own toy box and is affectionate.

"She has settled down and is a wonderful dog," Donald Rakestraw said. "She is one of the top performing dogs in her school."

Rakestraw said Willow's story is both good and bad. The bad is the story of the damage that is done when animals are abused or abandoned and never given the proper training. The good is that much can be accomplished with love and attention - something Willow proves every day.

"Willow continued going to dog training and became good friends with her classmates and the people there," he said. "She is no longer afraid of people."